The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant breakthroughs in the ongoing war against insecurity, neutralized scores of terrorists, rescued abducted victims, and foiled crude oil theft worth over ₦13.4 million within one week.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who disclosed this while briefing journalists on military operations conducted between 16 and 23 October 2025, said troops across all theatres sustained aggressive momentum through coordinated land and air offensives.
According to him, the operations targeted terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves, and other criminal elements in different parts of the country. He said the intensity of the campaigns reflected the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
Kangye explained that troops under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East continued to dismantle Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Several insurgents were killed in fierce encounters, while thirteen suspects, including informants and logistics suppliers, were arrested. Troops also rescued kidnapped victims and recovered arms, vehicles, and improvised explosive device components during the operations.
In the North-West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, security forces neutralised bandits and rescued victims in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kaduna States. Eleven suspects were apprehended and several weapons and rustled livestock recovered during the raids.
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North-Central zone also intensified counter-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Kogi States, resulting in the arrest of 40 suspects and the rescue of additional kidnap victims. A major breakthrough was recorded in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, where troops raided the hideout of a wanted extremist leader, Alhaji Muhammed Sule (alias MP), recovered sophisticated weapons and over 1,200 rounds of live ammunition.
In the South-South, soldiers under Operation DELTA SAFE thwarted multiple attempts to siphon crude oil and dismantled several illegal refining camps in Delta and Bayelsa States. They recovered over 12,000 litres of stolen crude, diesel, and kerosene, valued at more than ₦13.4 million, and arrested several suspects involved in the crime.
Similarly, in the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA sustained pressure on IPOB/ESN elements, arresting 12 suspected members and rescuing kidnap victims in Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States.
Major General Kangye commended the gallantry and professionalism of the troops for their sustained operational successes and urged citizens to continue providing credible information to support security operations.
“The success of ongoing operations underscores the resilience and dedication of our troops who remain committed to restoring peace and ensuring that criminal elements have no freedom of action anywhere in the country,” he said.
